Along with childhood sexual abuse, Kristi House has long operated its Pathways program for children with problematic sexual behavior. Geared for school-age children up to age 12, Pathways is a group program for kids as well as groups for parents/caregivers. Developed out of the University of Oklahoma, this intervention helps thwart inappropriate behaviors in kids and teaches parents how they can support their child with boundaries and rules.
Problematic Sexual Behavior
Pathways for Stronger Families:
Defining and Treating Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) in Children
Sexual behaviors in children are often the result of harmless curiosity, but there are times when these behaviors become harmful to the children or others. Guidelines now exist for those seeking answers to help determine what are normal developmental behaviors in children and which are problematic. Sexual behaviors in youth are considered problematic when they have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Occur frequently;
- Take place between children of widely different ages (e.g., a 12 year old and a 4 year old) or between children of different developmental abilities;
- Involve intrusive interpersonal behavior with other people or animals;
- Are initiated with strong, upset feelings, such as anger or anxiety;
- Cause harm or potential harm (physical or emotional) to any child;
- Do not respond to typical parenting strategies (e.g., discipline); and/or
- Involve coercion, force, threats, bribery, or aggression of any kind.
Any child can be affected. Both boys and girls display problematic sexual behavior and sexual abuse isn’t necessarily a factor. In fact, most children who have been sexually abused do not exhibit these problems. However, research suggests that many factors can contribute, including:
- Family sexuality patterns
- Exposure to sexual material
- Exposure to family violence
- Physical abuse
- Other non-sexual behavior problems
This pioneering program is nationally recognized for its success in treating children.
Help Begins with a Phone Call
Many youngsters who exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior can be helped with outpatient treatment from 12 to 32 weeks. They can live at home and attend school and other outside activities without jeopardizing the safety of other children. Most do not continue to have sexual behavior problems into adolescence and adulthood. Kristi House is providing a program for children ages 7 to 12 years and their caregivers. Behaviors for which children are referred include:
- Repeatedly exposing themselves to others
- Excessive inappropriate sexual behavior
- Failure to recognize socially acceptable physical boundaries
- Aggressive sexual acts
Who Can Refer to this Program
Kristi House’s assessment and group therapy services are provided without cost to the family, except for parking fees. Contact us if you know a child who might benefit from this program. We accept referrals from parents and guardians; DCF; mental health, medical, school and other professionals; law enforcement and State Attorney’s Office; and Miami-Dade Juvenile Services.
Group Treatment
Kristi House Children’s Advocacy Center, with support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services SAMHSA, offers an evidence-based approach for addressing PSB in school-age children.
The Kristi House Pathways for Strong Families program, based on the Oklahoma University Problematic Sexual Behaviors-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (OU PSB-CBT) group treatment model, addresses problematic sexual behavior in school-aged children. These outpatient group treatment programs are recognized and supported by research as being effective in reducing or eliminating problematic sexual behavior in youth. The programs work with caregivers and the youth to increase safety and communication as well as promote healthy, positive choices in youth with PSB.
Groups are open for school-aged children, 7-12 years old, at Kristi House. There is no cost to families to participate.
The first step is an assessment to determine which of the group treatment programs is a good fit for the child and family. If accepted into the program, children will learn:
- Guidelines for appropriate sexual behavior
- Privacy and boundary rules
- Social skills
Caregivers (parents, foster parents, grandparents) also must participate in the weekly program. They learn:
- To distinguish normal from problematic sexual behaviors in children
- Appropriate responses to children’s sexual behaviors
- Ways to prevent sexual behavior problems
- Effective responses to other behavior problems
Groups are available in both English and Spanish at our Central and Palmetto Bay Office locations. Please contact us to find out more details and join the program.
Central Office
Kristi House Central Office
1265 NW 12th Ave., Miami FL, 33136
Palmetto Bay Office
Kristi House Palmetto Bay Office
8925 SW 148 St., Miami FL, 33176
Contact
For more information on Kristi House’s Pathways for Strong Families Program to define and treat Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children, please contact: